{"product_id":"black-russian-tomato","title":"Black Russian Tomato","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis classic heirloom variety is known for its striking appearance and bold flavour. The fruits are large and deeply coloured, ranging from mahogany-red to nearly black, with an almost smoky, sweet taste that makes them a standout in any dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis indeterminate variety produces continuously throughout the growing season, yielding abundant, flavourful tomatoes perfect for slicing, salads, or cooking into rich sauces. Its unique appearance and taste make it a favourite among gardeners and chefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere Can You Grow Black Russian Tomato\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Russian Tomato thrives in Zones 3-9 with full sun and well-drained soil. It grows well in garden beds, raised beds, or large containers with support for its vigorous vines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginating from Eastern Europe, Black Russian Tomato has been cherished for its rich flavour and versatility. As a heritage variety, it represents a link to traditional gardening practices and has been a favourite in home gardens for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in January or February and transplant outdoors in April. Harvest from June through October.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds indoors in late February to mid-March and transplant outdoors in May. Harvest runs from July through September.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in late March or early April, transplant after the last frost in late May or early June, and harvest from mid-July to early September.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Black Russian Tomato\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings 45-60cm (18-24in) apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupport:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the vigorous indeterminate vines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply and consistently, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regularly prune lower leaves and suckers to promote air circulation and focus energy on fruit production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick fruits when fully coloured, firm, and aromatic, from mid-summer to early autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChoose Ripe Fruits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Select fully ripened tomatoes from the healthiest plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtract Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scoop out seeds and their surrounding gel into a clean container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add a small amount of water and let the mixture sit uncovered for 2-3 days, stirring daily. This removes the gel coating around the seeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRinse and Dry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse the seeds thoroughly and spread them on a clean towel or screen to dry completely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811180982514,"sku":"MF-TOMATO-008","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Black-Russian-Tomato_49b68bd9-0de3-4f87-9a73-419c11c34426.jpg?v=1772481887","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/fr\/products\/black-russian-tomato","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}